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If your components put out 1080i through HDMI do not use the HDMI input on the receiver because the HDMI signal will only pass through and not be up-converted. The receiver came right away and worked good. Took a while to mess with the imputs to get all of my components integrated. Use component cables and the receiver will up-convert the signal from 1080i to 1080p. I also had problems with the HDMI signal from the receiver to my Samsung LCD tv (LN64A650) untill I updated the firmware on the tv, then it worked fine.
For the price the Sony STRDG920 is one of the best middle of the line A/V receivers on the market today. It meets most peoples needs and with its on screen display, installation and set up has never been easier.
FYI, I use ATI All-in-Wonder HD with a HDMI connection at 1080p.Setup process:When you first get the receiver and get the speakers set up, you connect a microphone and it runs tests to optimize any delay, etc. Same with "Video 2" and "Sat". I tried manual first and then used this feature and found automatic to probably be at least as good or superior to my own abilities. You only have to do this once, then you roll up the 25' cord and the microphone and store it in a box in the attic until you move your speaker arrangement. When I move off of the HTPC, say to play a Wii or xBox game, and then I come back, the screen has changed quality from 32-bit to 16 bit, which is not great for digital picture on a 52" TV. You go into the menu, select "Video 1" and say it comes from the HDMI. Remember, "Video 1" could have been composite or component as well. If you don't use another Sony device, don't worry about it.Experience:With in-ceiling speakers, you do not usually get the same quality that you do with floor speakers, so keep that in mind.
This was easier than I thought as there are only about three options on this menu on the TV and on the receiver. My subwoofer connects to an RCA jack (cable runs in-wall) in the corner, so it won't move either.I was positive that, as this was my first HDMI connection ever, that it would be a nightmare. for speaker configuration. I also use a Logitech Harmony 880 universal remote.My only issue:Excellent A/V receiver, great quality.
Either way, I have not been able to remedy this yet. The next step is to say where the input for each item. I plugged in the HTPC and the TV to the stereo (clearly labeled on the back) and it worked in a minute. There were no complications.
My setup:I use my STR-DG920 with a custom built HTPC (home theater PC), Sony Bravia KDL-52W4100, xBox, Wii. Except for the one issue with the HTPC I mentioned, all video experiences are excellent.Conclusion:Great audio quality and great video quality. I also set mine up to "Talk" to the Sony TV (has to be a Sony with "Bravia Link"). That being said, this receiver produced the best quality sound out of my setup up that I have had (better than my JVC or Pioneer). It basically lets you use one remote. The 3-d sound effects on an xBox (I use the optical TOS cable) are incredible, and I try to send my kids to spend the night at friends' houses so I can crank up the stereo.Upconversion on xBox and Wii are excellent.
Hopefully it will be long-lasting, but I've only had it a few months now, so we'll see. As I have in-wall for my center speaker and in-ceiling for the other four, I don't have to worry about it. There is only one issue I have not figured out yet, and am not sure whether the problem is with the receiver or HTPC. Or you can do what I did and get a universal remote.So, now everything is set up. All A/V equipment is in a cabinet. Audiophiles should probably find another review of someone with an audiophile-type setup. I was wrong. I have had no problems.
If money is no object, look at the "ES" series of receivers from Sony. My TV is wall mounted and my 5.1 speakers are all in-wall/in-ceiling. I have found that I do not need to adjust it. Surround effects are excellent and there are a number of equilizer presets for those that want to use them. The remote that comes with it does not have any LCD, so you will either have to remember on there that "Video 2" is the xBox or you will have to make a little label. For the price, it rules. On mine, it does not say "Video 1" on the screen anymore, but "Theater PC"; "Video 2" says "xBox" and "Sat" says "Wii". My guess is that the receiver does not maintain a connection to the device not in use or that it maintains a lower speed connection during that period.
Easy to set up and easy to operate. So, my HTPC comes in via HDMI into "Video 1", the xBox comes in via component into "Video 2" and the Wii comes in via composite into "Sat" (Satellite). After you tell it the source for each item, you can (and should) rename it. Quality is the same as if I had connected them directly to the back of the TV. If you cannot afford their top-of-the-line, this is extremely close and definitely offers a lot of features for the price.
Maybe there's something in the instruction manual about that but I haven't found it yet. So much so, that I think I'll hold off on getting a newer HD version for a while longer and spend that money on two new speakers to complete the 7.1 setup (currently only have 5.1)Only complaint so far is that some input volumes are markedly different.
I'd say that's pretty good by electronic standards so I decided to give them another shot.The setup would have been cake were it not for the limited space behind my entertainment center and I was too lazy to move everything out from the wall. I didn't bother to open the manual so I can't comment on how it reads.I was able to remove several cables with the new receiver.
My last receiver was a Sony and it lasted 9 years before it started to fail. Granted, my Logitec Harmony One took care of that for me, but still ;-) I was impressed with the video up-conversion of my non-HD TiVo.
I now only have one HDMI cable going to my TV and nothing else. The huge advantage there is not having to mess around with switching inputs on the TV when you want to watch a different video source.
When I switch from my satellite to my TiVo I have to bump the volume way, way up. I'll setup my remote to auto change the volume a few notches up/down when I switch between those activities if I don't find anything in the manual.
Nice unit, IF the dang surround choice menu worked out of the box. Tried everything including talking with tech support. It's just simply dead and locked into enhanced surround.Serious hassle swapping one of these out.
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